MAGNOLIA finally got a boost from its locals in the third game of the Hotshots’ PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup campaign.
The Hotshots had four locals in double digits in Zavier Lucero (20 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, two blocks), Ian Sangalang (16 points, four rebounds, two blocks), Mark Barroca (14 points), and Jerom Lastimosa (13 points, five assists) in their 112-98 win over Meralco.
All the locals combined for 86 points on 30-of-60 (50 percent) shooting from the field, a total contrast to their 89-81 loss against Blackwater scored only 49 points on 17-of-50 (34 percent) field goals.
READ: Magnolia finally breaks duck at Meralco's expense
Lastimosa and Sangalang were the only locals in double digits with 11 and 10 respectively in the Blackwater game.
Magnolia import KJ Buffen was averaging 23.5 points before the Meralco game, and had 32 points against Blackwater, but head coach LA Tenorio said the locals must produce in order for the Hotshots to go deep.
“Actually, if you remember, first game pa lang, sinabi ko na sa interview na we can’t rely on our import alone. I’ve been in this league for so many years, iba na ang basketball ngayon. The locals should really produce also," Tenorio said.
"I’m not saying by points, just the support of the locals, napakalaking bagay sa import so that the import don’t have to score 50 points or 60 points just to win the game."
The Brownlee Factor
Tenorio emphasized his point by recalling his playing career with Barangay Ginebra where Justin Brownlee was their resident import.
“Magaling na rin mag-stop ‘yung mga teams ngayon. We really have to work together to help our import. Chinallenge ko talaga ‘yung mga locals especially my vets. Our import needs our support. We can’t rely on our import alone.
“If I may say, as good as Justin Brownlee is, but I’ve been with him for so many years, the support of the locals talaga ang naging success ng run namin na ‘yun. Yes, he is really good. But I was telling them, Justin is good because of the support of the locals,” Tenorio said.
Tenorio hopes the local support would continue ahead of Magnolia’s next games where the Hotshots will go up against Rain or Shine next Friday and Barangay Ginebra next Sunday.
“I hope magbigay aral sa amin ‘yun sa mga locals namin,” he said.
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